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A woman known as Cailleach an Chlocháin, 'the witch of Clifden', was a famous character in the 19th century.
An Chailleach is the 232nd highest place in Ireland.Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/226/

This approach is part of a longer route taking in Benbaun, Benfree and Muckanaght to the east and Maumonght and Maumonght SW Top to the west. Parking on road at L817566A, approx. 2km north of Lough Inagh. Proceed 1km SW directly up minor top called Knockpasheemore, steepish ascent mostly over short grass. From this top, continue SW for 3km first across grass, the terrain becoming increasingly rocky and steep as you ascend Benbaun. From here turn NW for 1km, the ascent of Benfree being fairly gentle. Continue SW for 1km to the summit of Muckanaght, and from there 1km SWW to Bencullagh, the ascent being relatively easy. Summit marked by large cairn. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/226/comment/4986/

Picture from wicklore : Beefy Bencullagh

Picture: Beefy Bencullagh

Views near and far

by wicklore 8 Jun 2010

When approaching from Muckanaght, the climb up to Bencullagh is not as steep or high as the previous climb up to Muckanaght from Benfree. Neither are its northern slopes as steep or rugged as Muckanaght. That being said, it is still an impressive mountain and has great views back to Benbaun, Benbreen and Bencollaghduff, as well as distant views to the myriad lakes leading to Roundstone. Bencullagh also offers a fantastic viewpoint both into the Polladirk and Owenglin River valleys which are to the north and south of it respectively. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/226/comment/5861/

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Picture from simon3

simon3 on An Chailleach, 2003

by simon3 11 Oct 2003

An October view of the summit and its mighty cairn. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/226/comment/712/

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Picture from simon3 : Reflected summits.

Picture: Reflected summits.

simon3 on An Chailleach, 2008

by simon3 2 Jan 2008

An Chailleach/ Bencullagh, central in this December picture, has whitish quartzite scree slopes reminiscent of just a few other places in Ireland including some of the nearby Bens / Turks and the more distant Great Sugar Loaf (WIcklow) and Errigal. Underfoot the bog is thin and lumps of the quartzite speckle the ground.

The summit to the right, Muckanaght unusually for the Bens has a schist top and its seasonally brown vegetation cover is much more complete, very clear in this view taken from beside one of the many Roundstone Bog lakes. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/226/comment/2932/